TWO FOREIGNERS BURNT TO DEATH

IOL/Sapa, 25 March 2008

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Two foreign nationals were killed when a mob burnt their shacks in Brazzaville informal settlement in Atteridgeville, Pretoria police said on Tuesday. Spokesperson Constable Patricia Simelane said three suspects had already been arrested in connection with the two separate incidents. "It is alleged that last night (Monday) a large crowd went to a shack belonging to a Zimbabwean national at about midnight." "They allegedly beat him and burnt his shack whilst he was unconscious inside," Simelane said. She said the victim was found dead and his brother managed to escape the crowd. A few meters away another person was found burnt beyond recognition in a shack. Simelane said the shack was in a stand where there was a tuck shop belonging to a Zimbabwean. On Friday, the department of home affairs said the attacks on foreign nationals were inappropriate. It said consultations with relevant stakeholders to find a solution to the attacks were ongoing. Simelane said the three suspects would be charged with murder and damage to property.